Knoxville, Tennessee's, The Judybats were staples of early to mid-nineties college radio. During the groups four CD contract with Sire/Warner Bros. they toured nationally, strongest followings being Baltimore, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and the Chicago area. Strong play on college radio yielded the Top Ten hit 'Being Simple' whose video saw a lengthy period of regular rotation on MTV, along with a musical guest appearance on The Conon O‘Brien Show. Not being a fan of the corporate business that is music, Heiskell dissolved the group in 1995. Following was an independent release under the name Doubters Club: Fleur De Lisa. Using the Judybats name again briefly, Heiskell also released a stellar recording in 2000.
In 2007, Jeff Heiskell returned with the release of 'Soundtrack for an Aneurism'. A self-described 'existential gay redneck' and 'reluctant buddhist', he muses on sexual reawakening, gas huffers, little boys growing up to become drag queens, and, of course, what he does best: relationships on the dissolve. Included is a smashing rendition of Lindsey Buckingham's 'Trouble'. Swooning guitars, sensual first-take vocals, irridescent guitars, and intellectual savvy make 'Soundtrack for an Aneurism' a welcome slow burn experience which is a dark delight from inviting beginning to elusive end. Co-produced by Don Coffey, former Superdrag member, this collection of pop gems celebrates the bright, glittery side of sadcore.
The much anticipated 'Clip-on Nose Ring' will be released November 14th of 2008.
With this latest collection of songs - writing on a thrift store acoustic, seated in a rocking chair in his basement - Heiskell let the muse take him where it would. "Holy shit," he laughs. "I drank a bunch of cheap wine, banged on my guitar, and all of these fellas came tumbling out."
"I've taken to referring to this project as 'My big fat gay CD'" he adds. "Although there is a tune about a woman from my past. She's certain to know who she is - or was - or might have been." Per guitarist and collaborator Tim Lee, former guitarist for Let's Active, "'Clip-On Nose Ring' mixes a variety of influences, including rock, folk and dance music, in which former Judybats singer/songwriter Jeff Heiskell's plumbs his own psyche for material, adopting a scorched earth approach that leaves no topic unexplored."
Inclusive on this latest disc is a decidedly creepy version of Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’. Heiskell’s take on Parton’s former hit rests comfortably among the most melodious, hooky tunes of his career. Heiskell cites an interesting blend of influences for his latest: Tom Petty, John Lennon, Nick Drake, Social Distortion, & Joni Mitchell.
A CD release show in Knoxville will be followed by TBA dates in the Fall and Winter. A five song collection of remixes from Clip-on Nose Ring will be released later this year.
hey i just saw your status, and was like wow i wonder if they will play in atlanta, and much to my pleasant surprise you have decatur listed as your first show. will you be playing some JB stuff in addition to new music, i have never been to kavarna so going over that way now to check about tickets.
With you, The Smiths, The Replacements and Luna gone, my high school rememories just don't seem complete. But thanks for the wonderful music anyway. "Down In the Shacks," still makes me miss a girl that got away.
LOVE THE BAND Everybody - Thanks For Adding Me To Your List Of Fans ... PAIN MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL Is In My Top 10 Favorite LP's Of All Time ... You Rock !! Best Wishes ... Bonnie (CHICAGO-LAND)
Jezzz Guys. Get back together, rehearse, and play some live shows this Summer!!! The music is still great. Come on... Please, Now. grovel grovel please?
man, you guys rock..I miss your music so much. I grew up listening to it and it is funny because every song I listen to I'm able to see along to, but it as if it is from a fairytale that I once heard. Amazing music, I must say "Animal Farm" is the best song ever...
Much love you guys, keep on rockin because you will continue to do so in our hearts.
Jeff here. Song 'Gasoline' will be on the Tribute To Larry Brown CD out in March on Bloodshot Records. If you don't know who Larry Brown is then git your silly shitass to the library. My new record has finished mastering, heiskellmusic.com is kinda up. Record out in a couple of weeks.
You guys need to get back together. I miss your performances . Still in my top 10 of favorite bands. Come to DC...there is a lot of people that want to see you.
Your music plays like a soundtrack through my nostalgic thoughts. My friend and I still play your cds whenever we manage to get together and start drinking- singing the lyrics and doing them no justice whatsoever. Those times and those memories have only become more precious to us as time has gone by, and especially since we've both moved away from Knoxville in separate directions. Thanks for the memories and the great soundtrack to our lives :)
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